The holiday season is here, and for many of us, that means shopping for gifts and finding great deals. However, it’s also the busiest time of the year for scammers who are looking to take advantage of busy, distracted shoppers.

At Busey, we want to help you prepare so you can enjoy the holiday season without falling victim to scams and fraud. To help you protect yourself, here’s an overview of some of the most common holiday shopping scams—and some tips on how to avoid them.

Common Holiday Shopping Scams

1. Online Shopping Scams. With so many deals advertised online, fake websites and social media ads become more prevalent during the holidays. Fraudsters create realistic-looking websites that mimic trusted retailers or display irresistible “deals” on popular items. Once you enter your payment information, they’ve obtained your details, but the item you bought never arrives.

2. Phishing Emails and Texts. Phishing attempts ramp up during the holiday season, often disguised as “order confirmation” emails or tracking updates. These emails or texts prompt you to click on links that lead to malicious websites where scammers can steal your personal information.

3. Fake Charity Scams. During the holidays, many people are inclined to donate to charities. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this generosity by posing as legitimate organizations. They often create fake websites or call to solicit donations over the phone, making it difficult to distinguish real charities from fraudulent ones.

4. Gift Card Scams. Gift cards are a popular and convenient holiday gift, but they’re also a prime target for fraud. Scammers often sell fake gift cards online or tamper with physical cards by scratching off the security codes and reselling them.

5. Delivery Scams. Since package deliveries increase dramatically during the holidays, scammers take advantage by sending fake delivery notifications. These messages claim that there’s an issue with a package and ask for personal information or payment to resolve it. Clicking on these links or providing information can compromise your security.

How to Stay Safe

1. Shop from Trusted Websites. Stick to websites you know and trust. Avoid clicking on random ads or links in emails and social media, especially if they advertise deals that seem too good to be true. Instead, go directly to a retailer’s official website. Be cautious with unfamiliar online stores, even if they have a professional appearance. Verify their legitimacy by checking online reviews, and look for a secure connection (indicated by “https” and a padlock symbol in the address bar).

2. Be Cautious with Emails and Texts. Scrutinize emails and text messages, especially if they urge you to click a link or provide personal information. Check the sender’s email address and be on the lookout for small inconsistencies or spelling errors. Always go directly to a retailer’s website instead of following links.

3. Verify Charities Before Donating. If you’re planning to donate, do a little research to make sure the charity is legitimate. Websites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance can provide insights into various organizations. Be cautious about charities that contact you directly, especially through phone calls or online messages.

4. Be Smart with Gift Cards. Only buy gift cards from reputable retailers, either in-store or from the retailer’s official website. Avoid purchasing gift cards from third-party sellers online, as these may be tampered with or fraudulent.

5. Track Your Packages and Avoid Fake Delivery Alerts. To avoid delivery scams, use official tracking systems from the retailer or delivery service directly. Be cautious with unsolicited emails or texts regarding package issues. Avoid clicking links and never provide personal information unless you’re sure it’s from a legitimate source.

Stay Secure This Holiday Season

At Busey, we prioritize your safety and security—especially during the holiday season. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can help protect yourself from holiday scams and shop with peace of mind.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud or a scam on a Busey account, contact our Customer Care team, reach out to your Relationship Manager or visit your local Service Center to place a fraud alert on your account. You can also read our Fraud Prevention FAQs for more information or check out our Fraud Prevention Toolkit.